Khabib Nurmagomedov Returns Against Tony Ferguson At TUF 22 Finale

Khabib Nurmagomedov (pictured) wanted Anthony Pettis or Nate Diaz in his return fight, but he will have to settle for Tony Ferguson.

On Friday, UFC VP of public relations Dave Sholler confirmed the lightweights will collide at “The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale,” but won’t serve as the show’s featured attraction.

If that’s the case, whoever is the main event in the December 11 event must be a pretty beastly.

Nurmagomedov is perfect through 22 professional fights. He was slated to meet Donald Cerrone at UFC 187 in a title eliminator bout, but was forced to withdraw from May’s scrap with a knee injury. The Russian hasn’t been seen since beating now-champion Rafael dos Anjos in April 2014.

Ferguson, meanwhile, is one of the hottest fighters in the UFC’s deepest division having rattled off seven straight victories. “El Cucuy” is fresh off last month’s unanimous decision win over Josh Thomson.